The Great AI Cutover: From Curiosity to Operations to Revenue

Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

Last year, rural carriers were asking what AI means for Main Street. In 2026, the question changes: how do carriers turn AI into something they can actually use, manage and monetize? AI is moving into the carrier operating model: customer care, network monitoring, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, managed Wi-Fi, workforce productivity and small business services. This panel will examine how rural broadband providers can adopt AI in ways that improve operations, strengthen customer relationships and create new revenue opportunities. The discussion will focus on practical adoption, vendor partnerships, operational safeguards, customer trust and the emerging AI revenue stack. The goal is not to chase hype but to help carriers decide where AI belongs, where it does not belong, and how to turn the AI transition into real business value.